8 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN

“The purple mountains’ majesty” awaits you in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, Gatlinburg, TN.

This small town on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina is a destination location for many visitors every year. Whether you go there to enjoy the local mountain views, to engage in some of the amazing tourist attractions, or you want to see a bear in the wild, you’ll have a great time in Gatlinburg.

Go Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are many amazing outdoor activities you can enjoy in this park, but hiking is one of the most popular. Check out the different routes that lead to some of the most famous waterfalls and mountain views in the area. There is one trail that leads to the top of a structure where you can see four different states at the same time. How cool is that?

Have Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry

You’ll find a variety of amazing breakfast options when you’re in Gatlinburg, TN, but one of the best is the Pancake Pantry. This is the first pancake house in Tennessee and it’s been feeding locals and visitors since 1960. Even if you don’t want pancakes, you’ll find all the regular breakfast items on the menu to make it easy for you to have the right meal to start your day.

Ride the Gatlinburg Skylift

Since the 1950s, the Gatlinburg Skylift has been taking tourists up and down the side of Crocket Mountain. This ride is made to resemble a ski-lift, and it takes a few minutes, giving you a comfortable and slow ride to where you want to go. The ride goes up 1,800 feet to a rest area where you can enjoy a snack, the gift shop, and an observation area.

Go on the Ghost Walk

As one of the long-standing settlements of Tennessee, there are certainly some ghostly stories to tell in Gatlinburg, TN. The Ghost Walk is a great way to tour some of the most dreaded areas of the city, along with a cemetery that is known for crazy night noises. This can be one of the most fun things for you to do when you’re in this tourist area.

Anakeesta Offers Fun for the Whole Family

Everyone will find something fun going on when you take them to Anakeesta. This is a cool area with amazing views, a scenic ride to the Firefly Village, and a Dueling Zipline Adventure. Get ready to be adventurous and fun when you’re visiting this area. You’re sure to come away with some amazing memories that will make you want to come back for more.

Take the Trolley

For a small price, you can see the various attractions around Gatlinburg, TN, by riding the trolley. This mode of transportation has more than 100 stops along various routes to make sure you can get on and off wherever you want during your time. It is possible to let this be the way you get around this city when you’re here on your vacation. Get on board and enjoy the ride.

Sweet Treats Await at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

Chocolates, fudge, jellies, candied apples, pecan bark, peanut brittle, and chocolate-covered pretzels await you at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. This is one of the best places in this city to enjoy the sugary treats that can make you smile all day long. You can watch as the candies are being made, which could be a cool experience for your kids to enjoy while eating one of the amazing treats.

Spend Some Time at the Ripley’s Aquarium

One of the most impressive aquariums you’ll ever visit is the Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN. At this aquarium, you can touch a jellyfish, enjoy the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure where you’ll ride into the middle of Shark Lagoon, and enjoy the penguins and stingrays that call this aquarium home. Experience a unique adventure that could be one of the most memorable for you and your kids.

Gatlinburg, TN has Everything

Even though we’ve only covered eight things you can do when you’re visiting this popular tourist destination, everyone can find something to do and enjoy when in this area. This city is surrounded by mountains and is the perfect place to go to celebrate an anniversary, a family gathering, an annual vacation, or just for a great weekend away from home. Check out what awaits you and head to the mountains the next time you’re ready to get away.